Chapter 7: Needs Centered

The second part of Chapter 7 continues with the Needs-Centered Training Model for E-Learning. This model can be referred back to Chapter 1 of the text, which many of you should already be familiar with. The same model applies when conducting a needs-centered training for E-learning. We begin with 1) Analyze the training task. First, we must determine what dynamics that influence e-learning that we discussed earlier in the chapter, which are ambiguity and media richness. The text gives an example of both of these. If you’re going to train people to use complex negotiation skills that include reading and interpreting nuanced nonverbal messages, then an e-learning environment that is media rich allows for synchronous communication is recommended (Bebbe, Mottet, Roach, p. 163). A second example would be if you’re training people on etiquette and telephone skills that are highly scripted and routine, then web-based or distance education delivery is appropriate (Bebbe, Mottet, Roach, p.163). Next we move onto 2) Develop Training Objectives which talks about the objectives being observable, measurable, attainable, and specific. These are the same objectives that we talked about in Chapter 4. 3) Organize Training Content discusses the four-level approach. Level 1: Previews training program, Level 2: Previews Chapters, Level 3: Reviews course content within chapters, Level 4: Drills deeper into course content. Quianna went over these in the first portion. When organizing training content we look to set inductions, making sure that the e-leaners are ready to learn, and understand why the program is going to help them. Stimulus Variation focuses on making sure the trainees stay on track with the e-learning. Making sure that they stay focused and motivated throughout the duration of the course. Trainers achieve this by using the level four drill approach. Lastly, closure refers to level three where we assess the trainees. 4) Determine Training Methods is the trainers approach on how to teach the e-learning course. It is very important to understand your trainees, and what learning styles works best. Listening/Audio, Tours/Watching Video, Text/Reading, Simulation/Exercises, Testing/Assessment. You may also want to consider constructing a blended course or hybrid that allows trainees a more flexible way to learn. Next, trainers have to select a proper 5) Training Resources. There are a number of them online, and the text gives you just a handful of some web based training programs you can use to construct your own. They have instructor training programs, Authoring tools, and virtual classroom websites that a trainer can use. 6) Training plans is a description of the training session. The plans should include training objectives, a summary of training content, a description of methods, and a detailed description of all the presentational aids needed to transform the plan into a high-quality training program (Bebbe, Mottet, Roach, p. 167). Next, we 7) Deliver Training by selecting web-based training programs, and use tools such as Skype, podcast, screenshots, etc. Trainers can also choose to blend these methods. Lastly, 8) Assess the training by using surveys and quizzes throughout the course. Make sure the trainees learn within the chapter by incorporating test items. Prepare a quiz at the end of each chapter to make sure the trainees have read and interpreted the material correctly. Finally, we assess at the end of the entire program. This focuses on all three training outcomes of cognitive, behavioral, and affective. A cognitive approach in e-learning would be to quiz them, and a survey would ass the affective outcomes. To see the behavioral outcomes, the trainees can upload their own YouTube videos or podcast to see if they have demonstrated the objectives correctly. Most of the second half of Chapter 7 can be referred to all previous chapters in our text. A lot of the material most of us should already be familiar with it. We learn to apply these techniques on e-learning, which mostly everything is on a computer and Internet. By: Alex Aphay